Gold Coast
Snake Information

Our Gold Coast Snake Catcher's over the years have seen Snakes in every situation possible. This has given us an insight for the best methods on what what to do if you see a snake, how to prevent them from entering your house and the latest techniques and information on Snake bite first aid procedures.

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Below is some general information regarding these topics. To discuss any of these further, call our Gold Coast Snake Catchers now.

DO NOT PANIC, DO NOT TRY & CATCH OR KILL THE SNAKE. THIS IS HOW THE MAJORITY OF BITES OCCUR.

Snakes are more scared of us than we are of them. If you have sighted a snake, it's more than likely seen your movement too. Once this happens most of the time they will usually retreat for nearby cover and then they will sit and wait till they feel it's safe to come back out.

If you are within close proximity to the Snake (within 3 meters) then the best thing to do is STAND STILL.

Snakes have Poor Vision and No Ear's, so if you stand completely still and wait for the snake to move along on its own accord without any interruption. You will be completely safe and it will move along and generally pretty quickly.

Once the snake has moved away and you feel you are out of striking range (more than 3meters away) then you can slowly and carefully step back in the opposite direction. Always keeping a close eye on the snake.

If you are unsure of what type or Species of Snake, you have seen. Take a Photo and Send It Through to Wild Encounters and who can Identify the Snake and Provide Information for You.

If you have any small pets (dogs, cats, poultry, guinea pigs, birds etc) lock them up or bring them inside and keep the doors and windows closed.

Eliminating Snakes Around Your Home/Workplace

ELIMINATING RATS & MICE is the NUMBER 1 thing anyone can do to help keep snakes away from your home.

Making sure Sheds, Garage Doors, Roller Doors and any doors leading inside the house are sealed (gaps either side or underneath doors).

Dispose of all food scraps properly, not leaving rubbish outside and don't leave dog/cat food and water bowls outside overnight.

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Snake Bite First Aid

Bite to Limb

Immediately Immobilise the affected limb. DO NOT PANIC & REMAIN CALM. First Aid Person/Officer should continually reassure the bitten person.

Call out for neighbours, bystanders or anyone around to help, Get them to Call 000 (or Call 000 and talk to them on loud speaker), whilst applying First Aid.

Using a Bandage (either Compression or Crepe - available at all pharmacists) starting at the Bite Site, Wrap the Entire Limb (use more than 1 bandage, if required) at the Same Pressure you would use for a Sprained Limb (leave fingers and toes visible to check for circulation). If bandages are not readily available then clothes, towels and fabric etc can be cut up and used also.

Draw a X on the bandage where the exact Bite location is, this way when you arrive at the hospital the bandage will not have to be removed for initial Venom Detection Testing.

Splints and Slings can be used to help immobilise limbs. Legs should be kept elongated and straight. Arms should be rested across the chest.

Ensure that the bitten person remains calms and keeps their whole body Immobilized at All Times. When treating/assisting the person, assistance should be brought to them, ensuring un-necessary movement does not occur.

Call out for neighbours, bystanders or anyone around to help, Get them to Call 000 (or Call 000 and talk to them on loud speaker), whilst applying First Aid.

Apply Firm and Consistent Pressure at the Bite Site, (the Same Pressure you would use for a Sprained Limb).

Splints and Slings can be used to help immobilise limbs. Legs should be kept elongated and straight. Arms should be rested across the chest.

Ensure that the bitten person remains calms and keeps their whole body Immobilized at All Times, this is extremely important for bites to the Head and Neck. When treating/assisting the person, assistance should be brought to them, ensuring un-necessary movement does not occur.

Do Not's

Do Not Wash the Bite Site - When receiving medical attention, a Venom Detection Kit could be used to assist in determining the species of snake that delivered the bite.

Do Not Apply a Tourniquet - This method is no longer used and IS NOT effective. It could potentially make the injuries worse.

Do Not Eat and Drink.

Do Not Try to Suck the Venom Out. This could potentially make you sicker by doing this and certainly does not help treat the bite.

Do Not Remove any Bandages, Splints or Slings at any time.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CATCH OR KILL THE SNAKE... Approximately 95% of Snake Bites Occur When Someone Attempts to Catch, Kill or Interact with the Snake.